The AUSubaru.com.au Forums

Hello,
when my subie runs about 1.500rmp the oil warning lamp went on, when i give some gas (about 4.000rmp) the light goes out, if the engine goes back to 1.500rmp the warning lamp went on again, and that always.
is this a damaged oil pump`?
Engine Oil is new.

2 possible situations

- Your oil pump could be worn out.
- Your engine could be worn out and have excessive clearances.

Probably best to start by replacing the oilpump. I haven't done one on a subaru before but I imagine they're pretty cheap. I know they're mounted on the outside of the engine which is really convenient(I'm a chevy guy. you have to pull the engine to change the oilpump!)

The cheapest thing to try first is replace the oil presure switch, about $10 from after market parts places. Second thing to test is the wire from switch, is it earthing out on the engine or body - disconnect from oil pressure switch to see if you geet same red light. If you ground the wire to the body or block the light should remain on.

Next cheapest is change filter. Next cheapest change oil, same grade or thicker with turbo needs kept in mind and climate.

Then there is what they call the mickey mouse oil pump body to block seal, looks like big round with two mickey mouse ears attached

Then the correct diagnostic test the oil pressure with a gauge screwed in - mechanical workshop should have one and not charge too much

I was about to say that just same what steptoe said.
Oil pump is last thing I would say because you have to remove the timing belt to access
what oil grade are you using? Since it's winter there approx 0 degrees..
Cheers
AP

What sort of car and engine is it?

l-series EA82
I use 10W-40, the temperature at the moment is -10°C
I bought a oil pressure gauge. hope the oilpressureswitch will fit in the subie and hope it will help to find the problem.
http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie ... K:MEWNX:IT

another instrument to watch is a good idea. I should have said a screw in mechanical gauge that is just in for the duration of the test. I guess what you have bought will be yours to keep for less than what a mechanic may charge you to test your engine oil pressure. Ebay.de ! We have ebay.com.au !

Nice looking gauge and model , the blonde - (not seen them on our ebay before!) Great price and postage.The EA82T oil pumps i have looked at have both the 1/8 BSPT tapered thread hole for the il pressure switch AND the larger size for oil pressure gauge. Sometimes an adaptor is needed to suit position used.

here we have ebay.de, im from germany^^
is it hard to change the oil pump? i have 2 other engines with oil pumps, one carby and one mpfi, are them the same?

I believe they are the same. I am yet to have removed an EA82 oil pump. I have dismantled and rebuilt EA81 oil pumps with the rebuild seals A$20, They have specificatons to check rotor clearances. I suspect EA82 specs are similar. The EA82 oil pump is timing belt drive, so you need to remove and refit timing belt covers, the belts to get at the oil pump.